Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

General Information

The TOEFL iBT test is the most widely respected English-language test in the world, recognized by more than 9,000 colleges, universities and agencies in more than 130 countries, including Australia, Canada, the U.K. and the United States.

The TOEFL iBT test measures students’ ability to use and understand English at the university level. And it evaluates how well students combine their listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to perform academic tasks.

The TOEFL iBT test, administered via the Internet, is offered more than 50 times a year at ETS-authorized test centers throughout the world.

Who should take TOEFL iBT?

More than 30 million people from all over the world have taken the TOEFL® test to demonstrate their English-language proficiency. The average English skill level ranges between Intermediate and Advanced. According to a recent research, TOEFL iBT is recognized by all top 20 universities in the US for their both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Students planning to study at a higher education institution (both for Undergraduate and Graduate courses)

English-language learning program admissions and exit

Scholarship and certification candidates

English-language learners who want to track their progress

Students and workers applying for visas

How is the test conducted?

The total test time is about 4 hours in total. Test takers will take the Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing in that order with 10-minute-break between every 2 sections. In the Reading and Listening tests, test-takers might encounter some extra questions that do not count forward their score. These questions may be responsible for ETS to make test scores comparable across administrations.

Writing (50 minutes)includes 2 written responses (approximately 300 words each), topics tested general writing, argument development and presentation. One essay based on familiar experience (no specific subject area knowledge required to write the essay), and one based one an integrated task (read a short passage, listen to an audio, then respond in writing)

Note: test takers are required to type these responses on an American (QWERTY) keyboard.

How is TOEFL iBT scored?

TOEFL iBT is designed to assess English language skill at all levels. Thus, test-takers cannot either fail or pass the test. ETS uses both human raters and automated scoring methods to offer a complete and accurate picture of a test taker’s ability. After the test, test-takers will receive their scores and also their performance feedback that reflects their language level.